Newcastle v Barcelona: Blaugrana confirm triple injury blow for Champions League clash

Barcelona have confirmed they will be without Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League opener against Newcastle United.

The Blaugrana begin their league phase campaign with designs on going one step further than their run to the semi-finals last season, with their hopes ended by Inter Milan in an epic last-four clash.

But a trip to what will be a raucous St James’ Park represents a tricky first assignment for Barca, one that will be even tougher without star man Yamal, who misses out with a groin problem.

Yamal did not feature in the 6-0 thrashing of Valencia last weekend, having controversially played in both of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers during the recent international break.

The 18-year-old did not train ahead of those fixtures and reportedly took painkillers to be able to do so, the approach of the national team leading coach Hansi Flick to accuse the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) of not properly looking after players.

✈️ The squad list for Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/md9rJVqXx7

Flick’s fury will be increased if Yamal’s absence costs Barca victory on Thursday, and the injuries to Gavi and Balde damage their cause further.